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HC008518

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Iris reticulata Dark Blue (Specie Iris Dark Blue) will reward you will gorgeous dark blue/purple blooms in early spring. This wildflower Iris is extremely cold hardy, and can be grown almost anywhere from zones 2-10. Plant with early spring blooming daffodils for a striking contrast.

More Information

SKU

HC008518

Common Name

Dark Blue Specie Iris (Mini Iris)

Botanical Name

Iris reticulata Dark Blue

Zones

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Light Requirements

Full Sun, Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade

Flower Color

Blue

Height

Under 6 inches

Mature Height

4-6" tall

Bulb Spacing

16 bulbs per sq. ft.

Flower Bulb Size

5-6 cm

Planting Depth

Plant 3" deep

Bloom Time

Early - Mid Spring

Bloom Time

Early spring

Advantages

Deer Resistant, Good for Containers

Amount Of Rain

10 to 20"

Soil Type

Average Soil

Soil Moisture

Average

Item Package Size

Bag of 25

Ships As

Bulb, Rhizome, Tuber

Planting Time

Fall

Ideal Region

Northeast, Midwest, West, Southwest, Pacific Northwest

Item Quantity Number

25

Ships To Canada

No

Planting Guides

Tips on Growing Fall Planted Flower Bulbs

When you receive your spring blooming bulbs (Mini Iris, Daffodils, etc.) keep them in a dry, dark, cool place until ready to plant. They need air circulation so they will not collect moisture and rot. Planting times can vary from early October in the North to mid-to-late November in the southern regions. A good rule of thumb is to plant them about 6 weeks before the ground is frozen or after the first hard freeze. For more information, read our Planting Mini Iris Bulbs article or view a planting depth illustration, on pages 14-16 of our Planting Guide.

Soil Preparation for Bulbs

A compost enriched, well-drained soil is best. Incorporate a good quality organic compost as needed. Yum Yum Mix® is recommended as an excellent source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium needed for strong plants and healthy roots. Mix a small amount into the bottom of the hole before planting your bulbs.

Many bulbs prefer full sun exposure. However, Muscaria, Allium, Galanthus, Hyacinthoides, Scilla and many Daffodils will tolerate partial shade and bloom well.
Pink daffodils will hold their color longer if planted in dappled shade or morning sun/afternoon shade.

After planting, add a top dressing of compost or other organic material and water in thoroughly. If your winter is dry, water every three to four weeks throughout the winter and add more mulch if necessary.

Protect your Bulbs

Apply a mole or gopher repellent to the surface of the ground to protect bulbs from these burrowing mammals. As bulbs sprout, use our Deer Off Repellent to prevent deer and rabbits from browsing your spring blooms.

After your Bulbs have Bloomed

Once your bulbs have bloomed, allow the bulb foliage to brown and fade naturally since the leaves are feeding the bulb in the ground. Removal of foliage weakens the bulb and leads to fewer blooms the following year. Planting your bulbs amongst your perennials is one way to conceal the dying bulb foliage. The perennials begin to grow and fill out as the bulb foliage dies back. The perennials will then provide foliage and color in the garden from late spring through the summer and into fall. Regular fertilization with balanced organic or natural fertilizer and a re-application of mulch each fall will ensure more and more beautiful spring bulb blooms for many years!

View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.

When you order from us, we guarantee that you will receive the hardiest plants, bulbs or seeds available, packed with care and ready to thrive in your garden. If you have followed our detailed planting and care instructions and you do not experience success, we will honor our satisfaction guarantee for up to one full year from delivery.